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UID:6547@dscc.uic.edu
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T190000
DTSTAMP:20260713T173914Z
URL:https://dscc.uic.edu/events/sensory-friendly-hours-and-activities-at-t
 he-2026-illinois-state-fair-in-springfield/
SUMMARY:Sensory-Friendly Hours and Activities at the 2026 Illinois State Fa
 ir in Springfield
DESCRIPTION:The Illinois State Fair offers free entertainment\, sensory-fri
 endly activities and a dedicated quiet zone for individuals with sensory-p
 rocessing needs\n\nThe 2026 Illinois State Fair is happening Aug. 13 -23 a
 t the fairgrounds\, 801. E. Sangamon Ave.\, in Springfield.\n\nWe are exci
 ted to again partner with the Illinois State Fair to provide inclusive\, a
 ccessible fun for families!\n\nOur Division of Specialized Care for Childr
 en (DSCC) team members will be at the fair’s Sensory Station from Thursd
 ay\, Aug. 13\, to Monday\, Aug. 17. The Sensory Station is open each day o
 f the fair from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. It is located inside the Emmerson Build
 ing\, just off Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue in the center of the fai
 rgrounds.\n\nThe Sensory Station is an air-conditioned\, quiet zone with t
 ools and activities for children and adults who need help processing the s
 ights\, smells\, noises and crowds at the fair\, including:\n\n 	Calming p
 ods\n 	A foam block pit\n 	A stuffed animal “petting zoo”\n 	A twinkle
  tunnel\, coloring station and other sensory-processing activities\n 	Sens
 ory bags families can check out to use while exploring the fairgrounds\n\n
 There is also stroller parking\, a diaper changing station and a nursing a
 rea at the Sensory Station’s entrance.\n\nStop at DSCC's tent just outsi
 de the Sensory Station to enjoy rock-painting and coloring activities\, al
 ong with information about our programs and services for families statewid
 e.\n\nThe fair will also host Sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours:\n\n 	Satur
 day\, Aug. 15\, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.\n 	Carnival hours from 10 a.m. to 1
 2 p.m.\n\nDuring this time\, the fair will adjust certain programs and act
 ivities to create a more calming environment for individuals with sensory 
 processing sensitivities.\n\nThe fair has Sunflower Hours stickers availab
 le for families to use during this timeframe. This sticker allows fair vis
 itors with sensory sensitivities to enjoy select amusement rides for free 
 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Youth must have an adult and/or caregiver accompa
 ny them on rides. All riders must have the Sunflower Hours sticker to ride
  for free.\n\nDSCC has a limited number of stickers available for our prog
 ram participants. To request a Sunflower Hours sticker\, please email dsc
 c@uic.edu with your name and your participant’s name by Aug. 6.\n\nWe 
 will send stickers on a first-come\, first-served basis.\n\nAll families m
 ay visit the Sensory Station during the Sunflower Hours event to get more 
 stickers. The stickers will be available while supplies last.\n\nConservat
 ion World\, located at the fair’s Eighth Street entrance\, will also hos
 t Sunflower Hours on Saturday\, Aug. 15\, and Tuesday\, Aug. 18\, from 8:3
 0 to 10 a.m. Fairgoers can explore the great outdoors in a more peaceful a
 nd sensory-friendly setting during these times.\n\nThe Illinois State Fair
  has a social story to help you plan your visit to this year’s event. 
 It is a step-by-step guide to help parents and caregivers explain what to 
 expect during a visit to the Illinois State Fair.\n\nYou can find the soci
 al story and more details about the Sensory Station\, Sunflower Hours\, th
 e entertainment schedule and more in the Sensory Friendly Fair section of 
 the Illinois State Fair website.
CATEGORIES:Special Event
LOCATION:Illinois State Fairgrounds\, 801 E. Sangamon Ave.\, Springfield\, 
 Illinois\, 62702\, United States
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 ngfield\, Illinois\, 62702\, United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Illi
 nois State Fairgrounds:geo:0,0
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